Bill
SB 3375
Authorizes funding to create the Central Oahu Wildfire Plan with interagency coordination to reduce wildfire risk.
SB 3375 — RELATING TO WILDFIRE PREVENTION
Overview
SB 3375 seeks to advance wildfire prevention efforts in Hawaii through targeted funding and interagency coordination. The bill would authorize appropriations and establish a framework to develop and implement a Central Oahu Wildfire Plan, enhance collaboration among state agencies and the University of Hawaii, and set a ceiling for wildfire prevention expenditures.
Purpose and intent
- Improve wildfire prevention and mitigation in Hawaii, with a focus on Central Oahu.
- Coordinate efforts across major state agencies and the university to reduce wildfire risk.
- Establish a defined spending framework to guide wildfire prevention investments.
Key provisions (as indicated by the bill’s subject and committee actions)
- Appropriation: The bill would authorize state funding for wildfire prevention initiatives, including programs carried out by:
- CTAHR (College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources)
- DLNR (Department of Land and Natural Resources)
- UH (University of Hawaii)
- Central Oahu Wildfire Plan: Development and implementation of a dedicated wildfire prevention plan for Central Oahu, including strategic actions to reduce fuel loads, create defenses, and coordinate community risk reduction.
- Interagency and institutional coordination: Provisions to align efforts across CTAHR, DLNR, and UH, leveraging expertise from each entity to support prevention, education, and research related to wildfire risk reduction.
- Wildfire prevention expenditure ceiling: Establishment of a formal expenditure ceiling to govern annual or program-wide wildfire prevention spending, providing a cap for budgeting and accountability.
- Oversight and reporting: Possible requirements for regular reporting to the Legislature on program progress, milestones, and financial status (typical in appropriation and plan-related bills, though specific reporting text is not provided in the summary).
Who would be affected
- State agencies: DLNR, CTAHR, UH, and related departments involved in wildfire management and land stewardship.
- Central Oahu communities: Residents, property owners, and local governments in areas identified as high wildfire risk.
- Stakeholders and researchers: University researchers and extension agents contributing to prevention strategies and public education.
- State budget and administration: Agencies and offices involved in implementing and monitoring appropriations and expenditure ceilings.
Procedural and timeline highlights
- Introduced: January 24, 2024.
- Committees: Referred to HRE/PSM/WTL; public hearing scheduled for February 8, 2024.
- Legislative actions:
- February 5, 2024: Public hearing scheduled.
- February 8, 2024: Committees recommended passage with amendments (WTL, PSM, HRE).
- February 15, 2024: Report adopted; passed Second Reading as amended (SD 1); referred to WAM.
- Status: Reported from committees with Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2447 and referral to WAM; companion bill HB 2729 exists.
Sponsor and related legislation
- Primary sponsors: INOUYE and FUKUNAGA.
- Cosponsors: ELEFANTE, IHARA, KIM.
- Related bill: HB 2729 (companion).
Notes
- The available summary does not include specific dollar amounts, exact expenditure ceilings, or detailed implementation timelines. For precise figures and implementation language, consult the official bill text and fiscal notes once available.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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